01
Best everyday escape
Kern River Parkway Trail
Along Kern River Through Bakersfield • Urban-Adjacent Riverfront Path With Wide Open Views • Go-To Local Fitness Route
A long, mostly flat path traces the Kern River, giving Rivergrove locals an easy place to walk, run, or ride with water and mountain views.
From trail access points just west of Rivergrove, you can head for miles in either direction on a mix of paved and dirt path along the river. It’s ideal for low-key hikes, stroller-friendly outings, or linking up longer runs without ever getting far from town. Go early or late in the day for cooler temperatures and softer light on the water.
02
Closest canyon hikes
Hart Memorial Park & Kern River Canyon Trails
Kern River Canyon East Of Rivergrove • Lakeside Park And Rugged Foothill Singletrack • Best Mix Of Picnics And Real Hiking
Hart Park is where locals step quickly from picnic tables to steep foothill trails and big Kern River Canyon views.
Just a short drive up Highway 178 from Rivergrove, Hart Memorial Park offers easy loops around the ponds plus informal paths climbing into the surrounding hills. Those hillside trails gain elevation fast and reward you with wide views up and down the canyon. Take plenty of water, expect little shade, and keep an eye out for summer heat and rattlesnakes on the steeper routes.
03
Best bluff-top views
Panorama Vista Preserve
North Bakersfield Bluffs • Restored Riverside Preserve With Winding Dirt Paths • Sunrise And Sunset Favorite
Short, crisscrossing dirt trails wind through native plantings on the bluffs, with big sky views over the Kern River and downtown.
Panorama Vista feels surprisingly wild for being so close to town, with narrow paths weaving through habitat restoration areas above the river. It’s a great choice for a quick, easy outing when you want scenery without a long drive from Rivergrove. There’s minimal shade, so cooler mornings and golden-hour evenings are when the preserve really shines.
04
Wildflower day trip
Wind Wolves Preserve
San Emigdio Mountains Southwest Of Bakersfield • Expansive Private Nature Preserve With Signed Trails • Best Spring Wildflower Wander
Rolling hills, oak-dotted ridges, and seasonal creeks make Wind Wolves a full-day hiking destination when you’re ready to leave the valley floor behind.
Allow a bit of drive time from Rivergrove and you’re rewarded with a huge network of trails crossing grasslands and climbing into the surrounding mountains. In good rainfall years, spring wildflowers carpet the hillsides and make even the easier routes feel special. Check preserve hours and seasonal access before you go, bring plenty of water, and plan to linger—there’s enough here to fill a whole day on foot.
05
Iconic giant sequoia walk
Trail of 100 Giants
Western Sequoia National Forest In The Sierra • Easy Forest Trail Among Old-Growth Sequoias • Bucket-List Weekend Outing
A mostly level loop lets you stroll right among towering giant sequoias, turning a simple walk into a classic Sierra experience.
When you’re ready to trade valley heat for cool mountain air, the Trail of 100 Giants makes a memorable day trip or weekend centerpiece from Rivergrove. The main loop is short and gentle, with boardwalk-style sections that keep it accessible while still feeling like a true forest hike. Expect a modest parking fee, check seasonal road conditions, and give yourself time to linger at the biggest trees along the route.